Frequently Asked Questions

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We will probably stock fall Chinook in Deadwood Reservoir again this year to help reduce the kokanee population, but we probably won't stock Anderson Ranch with fall Chinook.  Anderson Ranch was drawn-down this past winter and we know kokanee went through the dam.  Until we have a better idea of how many kokanee still exist, we will "hold" our fall Chinook plant. The source of eggs for fall Chinook is a state hatchery in Washington.  These are fish excess to their hatchery needs. Fall Chinook in reservoirs are difficult to sample, therefore we don't have survival information.  In the case of Deadwood, we continue adding fall Chinook every year until the kokanee population reaches the desired/target size.  

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Your friend will need to contact our license section at 334-2592. Thank you.

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In Idaho, there is no limit on the number of catfish you can catch and keep. There is nothing finer than sitting on the riverbank in the spring fishing for catfish.  Whether it's fishing with bait or fly fishing (yes, they will take flies in the spring) it's a low stress venture. In the Magic Valley area, give Dog Creek Reservoir (Gooding area) or Milner Reservoir (Burley) a try.  

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Predatory and unprotected wildlife can be released on private property after getting written permission from the landowner, other wise call Fish and Game to get permission to release the animal.

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Trapping of upland game animals is not a legal method of take.  You can hunt cottontails during the hunting season, but trapping them at any time is unlawful unless they are in your garden or destroying personal property.  You are allowed to control depredations, but you should contact your Regional Fish and Game office to obtain a permit if that is the case.

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This winter and spring we held public meetings, sent out e-mails (over 800) and posted notices in the newspaper to get input on which fish people would like to see the reservoir managed for in the future.  Based on public response we have decided to manage Soldiers Meadow Resrvoir for Kokanee.  This spring we stocked fingerling Kokanee into the reservoir, and by 2016 these fish should be big enough to provide a fishery.  We will also stock a limited number of sterile rainbow trout to provide some shore fishing oppotunities. If you have further questions, feel free to give me a call. Joe DuPont, 208-799-5010.  

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The fishing on mink creek is fair. You are correct, in many areas the riparian corridor is quite thick making it difficult for young children to fish there. However, the Cherry Springs area would be a good starting point as well as several areas on the EF of Mink Creek. These areas are visible from the road and provide semi-open areas that kids should be able to negotiate.

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This is not as easy of question as you might think and there are no specific rules on when or where you must clean your fish. You can actually remove the internal organs and gills anytime after reducing your fish to possession.  If you are in a boat, it's ok to throw the fish parts back into the water.  Birds, fish, or crayfish will consume the organic matter in short-order.  Once you are on shore, we recommend putting intrals into a trash container.  Many people don't appreciate fish guts scattered on docks or boat loading areas - so this is a bad place to dispose of your internal fish parts.  In high use areas, some Marine Deputies interpret throwing intrals into the water as "littering" and you run the risk of being cited.  This is also a place where dogs are found and you don't want them eating or rolling in this smelly material, as well.  I actually take ziplock bags and take the fish guts home and bury them in my garden for fertilizer. When you clean game fish, the heads and tails must remain attached to the fish until they reach the location where they will be consumed.  There is an exception in the rules for salmon and steelhead that allows heads and tails to be removed if other conditions are met.

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Please send in your small game hunting license with a written request for the refund to: IDFG License SectionP.O. Box 25Boise, ID 83707 Thank you.  

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Nothing in our rules prohibit citizens of the United States who are residents of the state of Idaho from carrying arms for the protection of life and property. It has always been legal to have a firearm on a four-wheeler while hunting.   Please review out Big Game seasons and rule book for information regarding our motorized hunting rule.    

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In Idaho,  the wolf trapping course is required to trap wolves. The basic trapper education course is not required.  Participants can register for both courses on our website on the hunter education page. If you cannot find a course in your area, contact your local Fish and Game office and ask to speak with the hunter education coordinator to inquire about upcoming courses. 

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The Department will review the comments received via the website and those collected at public meetings to develop a recommended course of action.  The Commission will be briefed on the results of the public comment and asked for further direction, including consideration of the Department's recommended course of action.  Should the Commission want to proceed with adopting rules, the Department would prepare detailed rule language which will be made available for public review prior to the Commission meeting.  Additionally, the Commission will solicit public testimony on any proposed rules prior to considering them for adoption.  Updates to the process will be announced via newspaper and our website.